Perfect World 1M RMB tournament announce upcoming, Chinese beta still waiting…

Original: http://dota2.sgamer.com/news/201304/149901.html

After previous news reported that Perfect World and Gamefy had partnered up for a 1 million RMB prize Dota2 tournament later this year, we now learn that Perfect World is poised to officially announce details of the tournament later this month.

According to the SGamer source, the tournament will take place during May through June of this year, with the entirety of it being held locally in Shanghai. Ten teams will be invited and compete in a round-robin points-based format, with the ten teams to be announced!

The official announcement will come on Friday, April 19, at a press conference in Beijing.

Original: http://dota2.sgamer.com/news/201304/149902.html (not direct translation below)

According to this bit, the Chinese Dota 2 beta, which had previously been rumored to be making its debut in April, will inevitably be delayed further. The source reports that, in the words of an insider with access to information on the Chinese Dota 2 beta, the development of the Chinese game client has been delayed on the developers’ side — which we speculate to mean Valve. Either way, the actual Chinese game client has seen delays, and thus, the Chinese beta has been delayed as well.

Dota players in China are growing restless, however, and just how much longer this Chinese beta needs remains to be seen… But with the million RMB Perfect World tournament coming next month, it makes all the sense in the world to allow Chinese fans to watch the tournament and play the game at the same time. Let’s hope we see some real progress in the Chinese Dota 2 market soon.

G-1 Interviews Roundup: Ohaiyo, YYF, Sylar, 357, iceiceice, ddc, and more!

Lots of good interviews with all sorts of players and managers, from G-1! Check ’em all out below~

LGD.ddc: In order to improve, we must change

DDC flaunts his humor and talks about recent LGD changes, funny interview…

Zenith.iceiceice: 50-50 against iG

Now, obviously Zenith lost against iG, but not without a fight. This interview, in all other ways, is one of epic proportions and laughs…

Orange.Ohaiyo: Every team wants the same thing

Ohaiyo shares his and the team’s goals, the difference between his style and Mushi’s in solo mid…

DK.357/QQQ: We’re training hard

357/QQQ/MMY talks about DK’s recent ups and downs, their training, and what they need to improve on…

LGD.Nic take two: We are the defending champs!

LGD’s manager, in this second interview with G-1, discusses LGD.cn’s recent role changes, LGD.int’s chances, Pajkatt…

iG.YYF: Confidence, teamwork, are our strengths

YYF talks about their recent form, the match against Zenith, and the source of iG’s success…

LGD.Sylar: I feel great

Sylar tells us about his feelings (after winning), and discusses LGD.cn’s recent performances…

Dotaland weekly recap: Mar 28 — Apr 3, 2013

This week featured an interesting question and answer session with iG.ChuaN and iG CEO Efeng, very candid and insightful. The people at Perfect World remain active with a release day drawing ever nearer, VG and ZSMJ make changes, April Fools happened with a ‘rumor’ on Mushi, and G-1 marches on with half a dozen more fun little interviews. Check it all out inside!

Mar 27

iG.ChuaN and iG CEO Efeng question and answer session

iG held an event on t.qq (similar to Twitter) where anyone could ask questions and they would answer. Good questions, good answers. Quite a bit of good stuff here, check it out.

Mar 28

Chinese Dota 2 server test to come April 15?

Rumors are placing the impending Perfect World Dota 2 launch ever closer…

VG makes internal changes: ZSMJ to join VG first team, Cty to move to solo mid position

As the title says, ZSMJ has been moved into the VG first team, previous VG first team carry Cty moves to the solo mid position.

Mar 29

Official Chinese Dota 2 portal site ramping up with events

Wondering what our Chinese Dota friends have been up to? How their community has been growing and evolving? Here’s a snippet…

Apr 1

Mushi searching for a Chinese team

April Fools! But still, it remains an interesting thought exercise to think about where he might go if Mushi were indeed to move to China…

Apr 2

G-1 interviews roundup: Mushi, Faith, RSnake and LGD managers, and more!

Lots of interviews for G-1… check ’em all out at the G-1 portal. Previews and direct links at Dotaland!

 

 

G-1 Interviews Roundup: xiao8, Mushi, Faith, RSnake and LGD managers, and more!

Lots of interviews for G-1… check ’em all out at the G-1 portal. Previews and direct links below!

LGD.xiao8 talks about Group A

G-1 Phase 3 is set to begin on March 27, with the LGD derby between their int and cn squads leading off. In anticipation, we interviewed LGD.cn’s Director 8, xiao8, to learn more about how they’ve been doing lately!

Orange.Mushi: We hope to see you all in China!

The groups for Phase 3 of G-1 have begun. Malaysian powerhouse Orange has been grouped with three strong Chinese teams, and it remains to be seen whether Mushi can lead his team out of the surround. Let us see here what Mushi has to share with us all.

iG.Faith: Offline finals will be spectacular!

Powerhouse iG finally makes their appearance at Season 5 of the G-1 Champions League. We got an interview with iG support player Faith, who shared with us some of iG’s training and talked about his thoughts on this season’s G-1. Take a look below!

LGD.Pajkatt: G-1 is a lot of fun

Pajkatt talks about life in China, his role as carry, and more!

RSnake.JET: RattleSnake manager speaks

The manager sheds some light on this new team, composed of old veteran players.

LGD.Nic: LGD manager gives a glimpse into the world of LGD

In this interview with LGD’s Dota manager Nic (Chinese ID: Chaorenwa), he gives us an overview of the Int squad players, what they do in their spare time, how he got where he is today, and more. Read on below to take a step into the world of LGD!

 

Mushi searching for a Chinese team

Original: http://dota2.sgamer.com/news/201304/149713.html

This has been revealed to be an April Fools’ by Kent, but nonetheless, it had our wheels churning thinking about where Mushi might go if he were to move to China…

No huge news post or anything, just a tidbit about Mushi…

In a post on weibo (t.qq), Chinese commentator Kent revealed that Mushi wants to move to China to play, and if any team is interested, to please contact him. What does this mean for Orange? Will a Chinese team in need of a flashy and obviously talented solo mid player pick Mushi up?

Official Chinese Dota 2 portal site and forums ramping up with events

Original: http://bbs.dota2.com.cn/viewthread.php?tid=4835&extra=page%3D1

Wondering what our Chinese Dota friends have been up to? How their community has been growing and evolving? Here’s a snippet…

In this thread, they are sending out a call for talented and passionate community contributors — artists, writers, video-makers. Ostensibly the goal is to gather a large group of fans that are also contributors, with beta keys and more unannounced perks as incentives…

This has been a part of the official Dota 2 Chinese site ramping up lately, in preparation for the rumored April launch of the first wave of closed beta invites for the Perfect World Dota 2 servers. In fact, the official Dota 2 Chinese forums are lively and active, and promise to only explode in popularity in the next few months.

VG makes internal changes: ZSMJ to join VG first team and play alongside Cty

Original: http://dota2.uuu9.com/201303/439877.shtml

Previously it was mentioned that VG’s carry player Cty had been working with ZSMJ and sharing experiences on playing carry, and now the two carry players — one new, one a veteran — will have the chance to play and compete alongside each other.

Vici Gaming have announced that ZSMJ, previously part of their newly formed second team, has now been moved to their first team, replacing sydm on the VG first team roster.

As a legendary status carry player, ZSMJ will retain his carry role in the new squad, and Cty will move to the 2 role, while the rest of the roles remain unchanged. At the same time, the captain of the squad has shifted from Fenrir to Cty.

Here is VG’s first team roster as of now:

Cty (captain)
ZSMJ
Xtt
fy
Fenrir

 

 

Chinese Dota 2 server test to come Apr 15?

Original: http://dota2.sgamer.com/news/201303/149633.html

Gamefy commentator Haitao, during a live case of an event recently, accidentally revealed that the Chinese servers, by Perfect World, for Dota 2 would be making their debut on April 15. As for how accurate this information is, that remains to be seen, but as a big-name commentator at Gamefy, surely his words hold some value. Regardless of whether April 15 is the actual date, the servers must be coming soon anyway! According to widespread rumors online, the servers will be coming in April, so this information seems to be at least somewhat reliable.

Apart from that, another somewhat worrying bit of information has reached us — that is, once the Perfect World Dota 2 servers are up, Steam will begin blocking all mainland Chinese IP addresses! If this is for real, then many Chinese players might lose access to Dota 2 entirely, as the Perfect World beta is very limited and many who have Dota 2 on Steam will not immediately have access to Perfect World’s Dota 2. Nonetheless, our editors here at SGamer believe that it isn’t quite possible for Steam to block all access to its platform, and rather, it will simply block access to Dota 2… if this is the case, then Perfect World faces the problems of ensuring that all current Chinese Dota 2 players on Steam get access and get to keep their purchases, cosmetics, etc.

Anyway, all speculation aside, let us await the approaching Perfect World Dota 2 servers, and see for ourselves the truth behind all these rumors!

 

 

iG.ChuaN and iG CEO Efeng question and answer session

iG held an event on t.qq (similar to Twitter) where anyone could ask questions and they would answer. Good questions, good answers. Check it out.

Questions to ChuaN and his answers

Q: How tall are you and YYF?
ChuaN: I am 190cm (roughly 6 ft 2 in), I dunno about YYF

Q: Will your girlfriend think you’re too fat?ChuaN: I am working hard to lose weight!

Q: Can you reveal how speaking rights are divided within the team?
ChuaN: We discuss things together, there isn’t really anything like that

Q: ChuaN-god, it’s been a while since you’ve come to China. After your pro gaming career ends, what are your plans? Will you stay in China? Or go back home?
ChuaN: Right now all I’m thinking about is how to play well, and get good results.

Q: Will there be more interactive events between players and fans?
ChuaN: We often do these on our official YY channel 90007, and we’ll be frequently streaming first person gameplay there as well, we welcome everyone to come visit! (Dotaland guide on how to watch YY streams here)

Q: How did you first step onto the path of becoming a pro player? In many people’s view, esports is the same as casual play… Can you tell us what your training is like? Is it at all similar to what some people think?
ChuaN: I stepped onto this path by playing and fighting for my dreams! Esports has become my professional career, so it isn’t simply play! Every day we undergo specific, targeted, and planned training!

Q: ChuaN-god! I am here in the name of my roommate, who wishes to profess his love to you!
ChuaN: Thank you, I love you guys too!

Q: You went from being a solo mid player to successfully transforming into a 4 position support, very different roles both mentally and attitude-wise. How did you adapt?ChuaN: Thinking back on that moment standing on stage as champions, all the sacrifice is worth it! The team and togetherness above all else!

Q: Are you optimistic about Dota 2 in China?
ChuaN: I am very much optimistic about Dota 2 in China!

Q: How long is your daily training, does the club arrange other activities for relaxation?
ChuaN: The club arranges physical exercise; I am really good at basketball! ;P

Q: How much longer do you plan on playing Dota, ChuaN-god?
ChuaN: I will play until I cannot play anymore!

Q: Which competitions will iG.Dota take part in in the coming year?
ChuaN: All big competitions we will participate in! And we’ll do our best to achieve good results, we hope that everyone supports us!

Q: iG add oil
ChuaN: Thank you for the support!

Q: iG is my spiritual belonging, I believe in iG… How does an esports club have this much magic?
ChuaN: It is the result of a collective effort and nurturing! 🙂

Questions to iG CEO Efeng and his answers

Q: Will there be iG-branded merchandise? Stuff like gaming peripherals, perhaps?
Efeng: Yes! This year, even!

Q: Out of iG’s players, who do you think will get married first?
Efeng: My guess is either YYF or Zhou.

Q: Can I get a blessing from you in my quest for the goddess in my life?
Efeng: Sure, as long as your goddess isn’t my wife, I officially bless your quest.

Q: What do esports players do after they retire?
Efeng: The cream of the crop can continue on as leaders, coaches, or managers after they retire. Others can transition into club support staff, media people, or work at gaming companies, or become a commentator. Lots of possibilities 🙂

Q: Efeng, what are your views on those players who are still very young, and also need to continue their studies?
Efeng: I feel that these things aren’t necessarily in conflict with one another. Games can be their hobby from youth, it’s the same basic principle as those kids that take up things like art, sports, etc. And if they display true talent in some way, then they can consider a career in it. 🙂

Q: Hello sir, can you say whether you’re satisfied with the atmosphere of our esports scene? Compared to foreign esports, what are some weaknesses of Chinese esports?
Efeng: Still lacking in mainstream recognition and understanding.

Q: When will the iG website get an overhaul? It’s lacking compared to many foreign clubs’ sites. Looking forward to official iG forums, so we iG fans have somewhere to go. What do you think?
Efeng: It’s all in the works! There’ll be an all-new look soon!

Q: I would like to ask, what is average pay and compensation like in the industry, what are the benefits?
Efeng: Staff are comparable to typical gaming companies. For players, it depends on the club and the players’ ability. The better the results, the more popular the player, the more they get paid… similar to professional sports.

Q: As a university student, how can I best contribute to esports?
Efeng: Study hard, graduate, then join the esports industry!

Q: Any considerations for creating sub-teams, for example regional or provincial feeder teams?
Efeng: Yes, in the future we will have all sorts of developmental squads.

Q: As management of the club, what are the most important things for the club’s success? Where does most of your funding come from? Thank you.
Efeng: I think that the most important things are stability and the ability to execute well. Funding mostly comes from sponsors, sales, events, and promotional activities.

Q: Have you thought about creating an international squad?
Efeng: If Chinese players are the best in something, then what’s the point in creating an international team?

Q: What are your thoughts on flexibility of roles and the ability to transition between roles in esports?
Efeng: I feel that the limits are much fewer, and it is much easier to transition between roles in the esports industry, as long as one is willing and able to work hard. Those who can be successful players can also be successful esports staff. 🙂

Q: How do you compare Chinese esports skill level with foreign?
Efeng: Chinese esports is very strong!

Q: For esports to sucessfully become an Olympic event, what do you think is the biggest bottlenet? What are primary cash flows for various parts of the club? Thank you.
Efeng: I think the biggest bottleneck is popular support and recognition… As for funding for, players have their salary, bonuses, sponsorship and events, the club has sponsors and sales, and staff have their salaries.

 

 

Dotaland weekly recap: Mar 21 — Mar 27, 2013

G-1 Champions League Season 5 is in full swing and phase three is just about to kick off, led off by a Phase 3 preview on the G-1 portal. On top of that, check out all sorts of interviews with players from many different participating G-1 teams. Additionally, this week saw debate on esports in the mainstream in China, with a very well-written newspaper article summing up many useful points — worth a read. All this and more, below!

Mar 21

For.Love adds KingJ and Zippo

For.Love adds two veteran players shortly before their G-1 debut. Results were not ideal, but understandable. The roster looks promising on paper, surely For.Love will be back stronger!

G-1 interviews: For.Love.KingJ, RSnake.LaNm

New For.Love member KingJ talks about his reappearance on the scene, LaNm shares his thoughts on his new team and G-1.

Mar 22

G-1 interview: VG.CTY

VG’s carry player CTY talks about what it’s like to now be in the same club as ZSMJ, and more, in this G-1 interview.

Perfect World’s Dota team making moves

A short update on what Perfect World are up to, and the status of Dota 2’s launch in China.

Mar 24

G-1 interviews: RSnake.Icy, TongFu.Mu

Icy shares insights on Gyro, thoughts for G-1, Mu gives thoughtful answers

Mar 25

Chinese Esports National Team incoming? …And related debates of esports in the mainstream

In this article that first appeared in a Chinese newspaper, we touch on mainstream understanding and acceptance of esports in China, along with hints that government organizations are looking to support esports in a major way in the future.

Mar 26

G-1 Phase 3 preview; interview with Chains.Johnny

Looking at the 8 teams that have made it this far, their strengths and weaknesses, and what to watch for. Also, a link to an interview with Chains’ Johnny.